Televisions to Carry Energy Labels

Major appliances such as stoves, washers, dryers and refrigerators have been sporting the familiar yellow energy guide stickers for quite some time now. These Energy Guide labels inform consumers on how much the “Estimated Yearly Energy Cost” is of the appliance in question, as well as the cost range of similar models. Surprisingly, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has given television manufacturers a pass on providing this information for years.

It seems as the growing number of high energy consumption television monitors such as plasma and LCD make their ways into more American households, the FTC has found this information necessary. The new rule will go into effect for all televisions produced after May 10, 2011. Brick and mortar retailers will be required to display the labels, and they will need to be visible from the front of the device. Online retailers will have until July 11, 2011 to display the full image of the EnergyGuide label for each model.

According to the FTC, the new rule will help consumers make better-informed decisions as competition in the flat screen television market increases. John Leibowitz, FTC Chairman states: “Unlike many years ago, before flat screens and plasmas, today’s televisions vary widely in the amount of energy they use.”

In the past there has been a pretty heated debate over which makes and models of flat screen televisions use the most energy. Well in the next eight months the debates will end and consumers will know exactly what the should expect to pay in energy costs for the new flat screen.

Will the yearly cost of power for that new television affect which make and model you buy? Or will you still base your decision on picture quality and features? I know what I would do but an curious to know your thoughts.